Catholic Classrooms

Monday, December 9, 2013

Young Adult Books Aren't Just For Young Adults

Young adult books are big sellers…for the over 18 crowd.

This, according to a recent Nielson poll and reported by CBS news.

I’m not surprised by this "new" poll—and you shouldn’t be either.

And I would hazard a guess that the numbers are mostly women—or
are even higher if only women were polled. After all, we want more than pornography and vampires. We want to be transported to that place of hope and kindness despite odds. Speak to us about the realities of our lives and remind us of all the great potential we have!

Long ago (okay, about 3 years ago), I reviewed Nancy Carabio Belanger’s “Olivia”
books. What I couldn’t get over—and tried to get across in my posted reviews—was
how much I enjoyed the books that were written for tweens and teens. Me, a slightly older than middle-aged woman truly loved them. I
likened them to Anne of Green Gables: a timeless book that can be read by
anyone of any age. Nancy’s books are that good. They take you back to a place
filled with possibility and hope. They aren’t sugary sweet and so unrealistic
that you gag; rather, they are just realistic enough to draw you in but still
allow you to dream and grow.

Nancy’s newest book The Gate is out and I could not
put it down when I read it. Again, another winner!

A number of young adult books come to mind that will definitely
be enjoyed for the “over 18” crowd and will make excellent Christmas gifts to
get and give.

Erin's Ring

Catholic Press Award Winner!

"Presented in a story-within-a-story, Erin's Ring offers an historical novel set within the story of two contemporary teen-age friends from very different kinds of families. Both stories have elements of Catholicism offered as ordinary and important parts of life. The small town setting is appealing and the characters are multi-dimensional. Erin's Ring would appeal to younger teens and older ones looking for light reading."

This is a charming story, beginning with a charming cover and with a good measure of history, contemporary drama, and spirituality between the covers. It is highly readable and can be used effectively as an evangelization tool for young people who would otherwise never open a book that espoused Catholic morals and teachings. Adults, particularly of the Celtic persuasion will enjoy this lighthearted yet meaningful tale as well.